As 2025 came to a close, I sat with a lot of gratitude; and honestly, a lot of emotion. Before we officially transition our chapter into 2026 leadership, I want to share a look back at one of the most meaningful nights of the year: our Inaugural Gala on February 4, 2025, when NAHREP South Florida officially inaugurated our 2025 Board of Directors.

That night wasn’t just about titles or a program schedule. It was about people, and the kind of chapter we have built TOGETHER. Hosted at the beautiful Mercedes-Benz of Cutler Bay, our gala brought together real estate professionals, lenders, service providers, and community leaders for an evening centered on leadership, recognition, and mission. NAHREP’s purpose is clear: to advance sustainable Hispanic homeownership through education, advocacy, and relationship-building; and this night embodied that mission in every way.

Every Detail Felt Special, Because It Was

One of the most beautiful parts was having our family and friends in the audience: people who have seen the behind-the-scenes moments, the sacrifice, the growth, and the heart that goes into serving at this level. Personal shout-out to Bethany Martinez, my dear friend, business partner, and the person who brought me into NAHREP South Florida when I didn’t even know this organization existed. Leadership doesn’t happen alone, you truly need people in your corner who see your potential and help you rise!

We’re incredibly grateful to Mercedes-Benz of Cutler Bay for sponsoring the venue and setting the tone for such an elevated and memorable celebration. We also recognized key partners who helped bring the experience to life: South Florida Inspectors, Awards Sponsor; Pure Title & Escrow, Roomba Video Sponsor; Arreglo Crédito, Photo Booth Experience; Nestilio, Red Carpet Sponsor; and Pass the Task Virtual Assistant Company, Videography Sponsor.

We were honored to welcome Tim Meerbott, Mayor of Cutler Bay, who shared thoughtful remarks and officially welcomed our guests. His presence reinforced what we believe deeply: strong communities are built when business leaders, public leaders, and service-minded professionals collaborate.

The evening also gave us the chance to recognize our 2025 Diamond Sponsor Truist, and Silver Sponsors: Wells Fargo, Chase, Citibank, Ciudad Maderas, Chenoa Fund, and Rate. They are the partners who continue to support our mission and invest in our growth.

Installation of the 2025 Board of Directors

One of the most powerful moments of the night was the ceremonial installation led by 2018 National President Daisy Lopez-Cid. It was an honor to be installed alongside a board filled with capable, committed leaders; each one stepping forward in service.

As NAHREP, some of us are red and some of us are blue; but most of all we have to remember that, first, we are Latinos

Our 2025 Board included:

Nily Padrón (Past President), Jenny Torres (Vice President), Bethany Martinez (Secretary), Gysselle Escobar-Leon (Events Director), Alicia Barthelemy (Events Co-Director), Dariel Martinez (Sponsorship Director), Nailan Rodriguez (Sponsorship Co-Director), Lissette Romero (Membership Director), Katherine Sepulveda (Membership Co-Director), Daniella Bustamante (Marketing Director), Teresa Santos (Marketing Co-Director), Claudia Cobreiro (Education Director), Mark Pinilla (Education Co-Director), Gladys Margarita Diaz (Government Affairs Director), and Giovanna Calimano (Parliamentarian).

And in a moment I will never forget, Daisy installed me as 2025 Chapter President, followed by my President’s address; one of those moments that stays with you because you feel both the weight of leadership and the purpose behind serving.

We closed the night by celebrating standout contributions from the prior year:

• 2024 Board Member of the Year: Jenny Torres

• 2024 Sponsor of the Year: Citibank

• 2024 Committee Member of the Year: Mark Pinilla

And now, here we are again; on the edge of another milestone. Today, we officially transition the chapter into 2026 leadership. That’s why I’m sharing this recap now: to honor what we built in 2025, and to celebrate the foundation that will carry us forward.

Because NAHREP South Florida has never been about one person. It’s always been about us: a board that serves, members who show up, partners who invest, and leaders who support each other on the way up. It's been a pleasure to serve with you, directors. Remember: If you're too big to serve, you're too small to lead.

If you're too big to serve, you're too small to lead.

To learn more about membership, sponsorship, or upcoming events, visit 305familia.org and follow us on Instagram at @NAHREPSouthFlorida.